Copper, fiber or wireless network?

While for decades the debate about which one is better (copper, fiber or wireless network), increased interest in discussing wiring, it is now becoming irrelevant. In communications technology and the end-user market, it seems, it has already been decided that, in general terms, the transmission media and many networks must combine all three. Currently, for the designer of wiring networks, especially fiber optic networks, and for their clients, the task of deciding which means to use once the communication systems were chosen is very simple.

Long-distance and external plant

Almost all telephony system cables are fiber optic, except telecommunications systems that still use copper for the final connection to the home. CATV companies use a high-performance coaxial cable inside homes, but it connects to a fiber optic backbone network. Backbone ( backbone ) Internet consists of fiber in its entirety. Most commercial buildings that are in heavily populated areas receive direct fiber connections from communication service providers. Cities use single-mode fiber to connect to municipal buildings, surveillance cameras, traffic signals and sometimes offer commercial and residential connections based on this type of fiber. Even cell phone towers that are next to highways and in tall buildings often have fiber connections. Remote areas, such as Central Africa, depend on satellite communications since cables are too expensive to travel long distances in relation to the low volume of traffic that exists.

In general, designing long-distance or external plant applications involves choosing single-mode fiber wiring over all other transmission media. Most of these systems are designed to cover distances and withstand speeds that would make it impossible to use any means other than single-mode fiber. Occasionally, there are other more cost-effective options, for example, if a company owns two buildings on the opposite sides of a highway, it would be easier to use a wireless optical network with a line of sight or radio since it has a lower installation cost and it is easier to obtain the corresponding permits.

Internal plant

The arguments about fiber, copper or the wireless network focus on internal plant wiring. The experience of a century and a half in the wiring of copper-based communications systems gives users a familiarity with copper that makes them skeptical of all other means of transmission. In addition, in many cases, copper proved to be a valid option. Most construction management systems use exclusive copper wiring, for example, the wiring of a thermostat and the audio or speaker systems. Security and access control systems, probably the most economical, still depend on coaxial copper cable, although high-security buildings such as government and military facilities usually pay the additional cost that fiber entails since it is safer.

Surveillance systems are increasingly common in buildings, especially in government buildings, banks and other buildings where security is considered to be at risk. Coaxial cable connections are common in short links, and those in favor of structured cabling claim that it is possible to install cameras over limited distances by means of UTP cables of unshielded twisted pairs of category 5E or 6, such as computer networks. However, fiber became a much more common choice. In addition to offering greater flexibility for camera placement due to its ability to allow greater distances, fiber optic cabling is much smaller and lighter. This facilitates installation, especially in old buildings, such as airports, or in large buildings where there may be spaces available that are already occupied by several generations of copper wiring.

The wiring of the LAN is usually seen as the great battlefield of fiber against copper, but for many users, that battle is over. The network user, who used to sit in front of the screen of a desktop computer with cables that connected that computer to the corporate network and with a telephone connected via another cable, is a relic of the past. Today, people want to live with mobile technology. Almost all use laptops, except engineers and graphic designers who work at their desks. However, most of them will have a laptop as a second option to move it, along with other people, to meetings where everyone takes their own and connects to a wireless network (WiFi). When did you last go to a meeting where you could connect your computer to the network using a cable?

In addition to laptops that connect to a wireless network (WiFi), people use Blackberries and iPhones to communicate in this way. Some new devices, such as the iPhone, allow you to surf the web with the connection of a mobile phone network or a wireless connection network (WiFi). Some mobile phones are portable VoIP devices that connect via wireless networks (WiFi) to make calls. The wireless connection network (WiFi) went through some difficulties and constant updates to conform to the 802.11n standard; however, it became more reliable and offers what for most users seems to be adequate bandwidth.

Apparently, the desire for greater mobility and the expansion of connected services give rise to a new type of corporate network. A fiber-optic backbone network with a copper connection to the desktop, where users wish to have direct connections and several access points to the wireless network, more than usual in the past, to obtain full coverage and a reasonable number of users for each access point, is what is imposed on corporate networks.

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What happens to the fiber to the desk? Innovative users can choose fiber to the desktop (FTTD), since a network composed of fiber in its entirety can be a very cost-effective solution that avoids the requirement of having telecommunication rooms with many switches, electrical power for the quality of data transfer, grounding and air conditioning throughout the year. Those who use energy, such as engineers, graphic designers, and animation technicians, can use the bandwidth available on the FTTD. Others prefer a system of zones with a fiber network that reaches local small-scale switches that, for users who want a wired connection instead of wireless, are close enough to them so that they can plug in using a power cable. short connection

The designer's job is to understand not only the wiring of communications technology, but also communications technology, and keep up to date with the latest advances in both technology and applications in both cases.